Classic Beef Meatballs

Ingredients for Classic Beef Meatballs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 900g 80% lean beef mince

• 120g ricotta cheese

• 2 large eggs

• 1/2 cup bread crumbs

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano or 1 teaspoon dried

• 2 teaspoons salt

• 1/4 teaspoons crushed red pepper flakes

• 1/2 teaspoons ground fennel

• 950ml Classic Tomato Sauce

Preheat the oven to 232°C. Drizzle the olive oil into a 9×13-inch baking dish and use your hand to evenly coat the entire surface. Set aside.

Combine the beef mince, ricotta, eggs, bread crumbs, parsley, oregano, salt, red pepper flakes, and fennel in a large mixing bowl and mix by hand until thoroughly incorporated.

Roll the mixture into round, golf ball-size meatballs (about 1 1/2 inches), making sure to pack the meat firmly. Place the balls in the prepared baking dish, being careful to line them up snugly and in even rows vertically and horizontally to form a grid. The meatballs should be touching one another.

Roast for 20 minutes, or until the meatballs are firm and cooked through. A meat thermometer inserted into the centre of a meatball should read 74°C.

While the meatballs are roasting, heat the tomato sauce in a small saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring often.

When the meatballs are firm and fully cooked, remove them from the oven and drain the excess grease from the pan. Pour the tomato sauce over them. Return the meatballs to the oven and continue roasting for another 15 minutes.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.